There’s Something Magical About These 10 Pennsylvania Lakes In The Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes all of the fun road trips and aquatic activities that warm weather promises. Pennsylvania has many impressive lakes where you can fish, swim, boat, or relax on the beach; last summer we wrote a list of the top 10 lakes in the state. Here is a sequel list, where we’ve rehashed some of our old favorites and explored new ones.

Pymatuning Lake is home to the Linesville Spillway, where ducks walk on fish. The fish are so densely packed that a loaf of bread will disappear almost instantly once you throw it in the water - and you will see the masses of fish writhing to retrieve the food. It is one of the oddest and most popular attractions in Pennsylvania.

Black Moshannon Lake is popular for camping, fishing, swimming, boating...basically anything you can imagine. It also includes an expansive bog which is the largest wetland area in Pennsylvania. Here you will find fun summer activities and a unique landscape.

We promise that your stay at Glendale Lake will be more fun than the name of Muskrat Beach makes it sound. At Muskrat Beach, you can not only swim, but also buy snacks at a concession stand, play disc golf, play volleyball, or picnic.

Conneaut Lake is the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania, at about three miles long and one mile wide. Its deepest point is 80 feet deep... Now that's a lake where you could find a Loch Ness Monster. At Conneaut Lake Park, you can enjoy a variety of attractions including minigolf, a wooden rollercoaster, a boardwalk on the beach, and more.

The Kinzua Dam is one of the largest dams in the country and forms the Allegheny Reservoir or Kinzua Lake. If you enjoy camping, then Kinzua Lake is a great place to visit— its miles of hiking trails and scenic overlooks will keep you occupied for days.

Lake Winola is one of the lesser-known, yet most beautiful lakes in Pennsylvania. The 185-acre glacier lake is stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. It is a great spot for fishing and for boating.

One of the few urban spots on our list, Panther Hollow Lake is the crowning glory of Schenley Park, the second largest park in Pittsburgh. Shaped like a Goldfish cracker when viewed from above, the lake is now only a shadow of its former self. Up until the 70s, it was a popular ice skating and recreation spot; the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has plans to restore the lake.

Shenango River Lake, though gorgeous, serves a practical function: to prevent flooding in the area around Pittsburgh. It is one of 16 reservoirs designed to prevent this flooding and is popular for anglers and campers.

Blue Marsh Lake is an artificial lake located not far from Reading. Not only is the lake itself popular for fishing, boating, and swimming, but the surrounding recreational area has 36 miles of trails for biking or hiking.

What other lakes would you add? Share your ideas in the comments below.